A chance to finish that college degree

Published 9:42 pm, Monday, March 24, 2014

The governor on Monday pitched his plan to lure thousands of college dropouts back to school with the promise of up to three free courses at Housatonic Community College, telling a room filled with students that the sooner the Legislature acts the better.

"A lot of folks have to get their ducks in a row if they are going to start school in late August, so the sooner we can get out there and advertise this the better," Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in pitching quick legislative approval for the "Go Back to Get Ahead" program.

The push is seen as a way to fill seats left empty by smaller high school graduating classes in the state and at the same time maintain a steady stream of graduates with math, science, engineering and precision manufacturing credentials employers want.

The program would target individuals who have successfully completed at least 12 college credits to come back and complete their degrees at one of the 17 state colleges and universities in the state.

A $150,000 marketing campaign, which reaches out to college dropouts, would begin once the program gets legislative approval. In addition three additional admissions counselors would be hired and a call center would be launched. In all, about $1.5 million is being devoted to the effort, he said.

"Life happens," said state Sen. Andres Ayalas, a supporter of the program. "Sometimes people have to drop out, or delay graduation. I'm excited about this and want as many people as possible to take advantage."

"Manufacturing is growing," Mayor Bill Finch added. "We need people with sophisticated math skills and people who have put their degree on hold to go back."

To qualify, a prospective student has to have dropped out at least 18 months ago -- and not owe the college any money. An estimated 170,000 in the state fit into that category, Malloy said. Of those, about 107,000 dropped out of state colleges or universities.

Scott Carruthers, of Stratford, a student in Housatonic's manufacturing certificate program, said he dropped out of college years ago for financial reasons. Now he is a father, trying to get ahead.

"Financial programs similar to the one being proposed helped me go back," Carruthers said. "This will help improve lives."

The Board of Regents for Higher Education is counting on at least 7,000 participating in the first year. That would help the system balance a 2014-15 budget that factors in just a 2 percent tuition increase. The program would run through 2018.

For participants, it could amount to more than $4,000 in savings on nine credits when course fees are added in at state universities and more than $1,500 at the community colleges. To start, returning students would get a free course in exchange for taking a course in their first semester, and then their second. They would also get the last course needed to complete their degree at no cost.

"It sounds like a good program," said Timothy Brown, a Housatonic student in his first semester. It wouldn't help him, but Brown, of Bridgeport, said he has friends and family members who may be prompted to re-enroll.